Its that time of the year that small boat owners start anti-fouling their prized possessions, a tip I feel obliged to pass on is to mix a handful of Chilli Powder into the anti-fouling and mix well . The chilli does give a slightly pinkie tint to the colour but it works and you`ll notice the difference in the Autumn when she is hauled out. The anti-fouling will last up to 3 years before repainting, saving quite a few pounds and less time lying under the hull with a roller.

“I know many of our customers are boat owners and at this time of year spend most weekends under the hulls of their vessels scrapping off the old anti-fouling and reapplying the next very expensive paint.My handy tip is one I always used was to stir into the paint a good handful of CHILLI powder, sounds strange but the barnacles and other marine growth do not like the taste and your expensive paint will last two to three years before reapplying, it does give a very pleasant pink hue. Saved me quite a few £s and laying on a cold, damp dock side saved me from serious back ache.”

“We are now in that very important month of December, the religious side of the season is sometime forgotten and the desire to focus on the material side overtakes us all. I have chosen some interesting recipes, some from customers some from family and my own favourite Mulled wine. Also the Gluten free recipe is one that will surprise everyone.”

Further uses of Bicarbonate of Soda in the Festive period-

Try rubbing some into chicken to tenderize the meat, but rinse off before cooking. Can also be rubbed into the chicken skin to crisp it up!

Pork is another meat to rub bicarb into, just score the fat then rub some in, have tried this myself and it works a treat.

When you marinade meat add 1/2 teaspoon of bicarb to your marinade sauce, this will help to soften the texture of the meat.
1/2 a teaspoon can be added to vegetable cooking water.

“And finally all it remains for me to do is to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas from all of us at Easy Weigh, looking forward to a bright and Healthy New Year, and please keep sending those fantastic personal recipes.”

Our second instalment of the uses of Bicarbonate of Soda, – Odour Removal in Kitchen appliances. The Fridge Strong Cheese although great can leave a strong smell in the fridge ,put a small open topped container filled with Bicarb ,stir daily and replace when the bicarb starts to smell, usually in 3 months.
Chopping boards can be refreshed by using bicarb on a damp cloth ,working into the surface. Rinse with fresh water and allow to air dry. Likewise smelly hands after slicing onions , garlic or fish sprinkle bicarb on wet hands ,rub together and rinse off.
Vacuum flasks and plastic food containers ,mix bicarb with warm water leave for 30 mins rinse and allow to air dry.
Remove smoke smells from clothes just had add half a cup of bicarb to the rinse cycle.
More useful tips next month.